Compared: ABS Gloss Black vs Carbon Fibre (Splitter Edition)

When shopping for a front splitter, what is better? Carbon Fibre or ABS Gloss black? 

When it comes to upgrading the look of your ride, the front splitter is a key component. And, there's no better way to show off your style than with a glossy black ABS or a sleek carbon fibre splitter. But, which one is the right choice for you? Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of each option.

COST

When it comes to price, ABS Gloss Black splitters (like this one pictured above, made by ZAERO Design) tend to be the more budget-friendly option. However, don't let the lower price tag fool you into thinking you're getting a bad product. ABS is a high-quality material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

On the other hand, carbon fibre is a premium material that comes with a higher price tag. The reason for the higher cost is due to a number of factors. The first comes down to the materials, carbon fibre is a space-age material that is expensive to make. On top of that, all carbon fibre is typically hand-laid and requires skilled workers to make it, resulting in a lower production volume and a higher rate of error during manufacturing. That being said, if you're looking for the ultimate in style and performance, carbon fibre is worth the investment. TRE make a number of carbon fibre pieces that meet an almost impossible combination of competitive pricing and quality pre-preg carbon fibre. 

MATERIALS

ABS plastic is a lightweight and durable material that's often used in automotive applications. It's easy to mould into complex shapes, making it a popular choice for splitters.

Carbon fibre is a composite material made from carbon fibres and resin. It's incredibly strong, lightweight, and has a unique appearance that's difficult to replicate.

DURABILITY

When it comes to durability, both ABS and carbon fiber have their strengths. ABS is highly resistant to impact and is less likely to crack or break. ABS splitters tend to be difficult to repair if damaged due to the material properties. However, the lower cost of ABS splitters means that in the unfortunate event of hitting the lip, they're cheaper to replace. 

Carbon fiber, on the other hand, is incredibly strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. You also have the ability to repair but it does tend to be expensive if it does get damaged.

STYLE

If style is your top priority, then you can't go wrong with a carbon splitter. The unique look of carbon fibre is unmatched, which is synonymous with motorsport and racing, it's a surefire way to turn heads on the road.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AUTOID (@autoid)

ABS splitters are also stylish, but they have a more understated look, closer in style to the original trim on the car. BMW's increased use of gloss black throughout their designs has led to an increase in demand for gloss black styling parts as they seamlessly match the OEM spec.

USECASE

Front splitters are fitted to cars for a number of reasons - performance and looks. From a performance perspective, front splitters add downforce to the front of the car, increasing grip over the front tyres - this increases cornering speeds, reduces braking distance and improves track times. Both carbon fibre and ABS Plastic splitters will have this effect if designed properly to do so.

ADRO have done some incredible work with their range of carbon fibre products to showcase the impact on performance. Typically, track-focused splitters will be made from plastic. This is to benefit from the balance of performance, impact resistance and replacement cost. 

For looks, it's difficult to compete with carbon fibre. As mentioned when referencing style, carbon fibre has a unique and racing inspired look. Not only that, for fast-road use (where damage and impacts are highly unlikely), they make a better combination of looks and performance. 

WEIGHT

When it comes to weight, carbon fiber is the clear winner. It's incredibly lightweight, which can help to improve your vehicle's performance. ABS splitters are also lightweight, but they're not as light as carbon fiber.

CONCLUSION

The choice between an ABS Gloss Black Front Splitter and a Carbon Fiber Front Splitter ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that's durable and stylish, then ABS might be the way to go. However, if you want the ultimate in style, performance, and durability, then a carbon fiber splitter is the way to go.

Don't forget to check out our full range of front splitters, including ABS and carbon fiber options. Whether you're looking for a glossy black splitter or a sleek carbon fiber one, we've got you covered!